Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Book Review: Tangled Ashes by Michele Phoenix

Tangled Ashes is a work of historical fiction,
in whichauthor Michele Phoenix
transports the reader to Meunier Manor in Lamorlaye, France. She weaves a tale
of two castles; the castle in more recent times as it is being renovated and
the same castle during World War II. The chapters weave back and forth between
the past and the 1990s.

First
the reader is introduced to two young women that are hired to work at Meunier
manor which has been made into a Nazi headquarters. One of them meets a soldier
and love ensues. Although the two French women, Marie and Elise, only took the
jobs to supplement their families meager existence, they end up in midst of a
medical experiment of Hitler's regime.

In the alternating chapters, reclusive architect, Marshall Becker is
introduced. He is hired to restore the now decrepit manor to its former glory.
Becker is reluctant to take on the project, yet goes to France to complete the
task. As he begins the restoration, Becker finds himself fighting his own
demons and the distant memories of a time past at the manor.

This book has a lot of strong points. First, the character development is
top-notch. As the mystery builds throughout the novel, the character’s
personalities reveal the past. Next, the quality of writing Michele Phoenix
offers is exceptional. Her ability to weave a masterful story with appropriate,
descriptive word choices is above par and made for a quick read, but also one
that pulled me into the plot.

The
thing I find most compelling in Tangled Ashes,
is that although it is labeled as a Christian Fiction book, it doesn’t come off
like one. I am usually hesitant to read novels in this particular genre,
because I find them to be sugary, over-the-top characterizations of people of
faith. I enjoyed this book immensely because it is not that.Rather, it represents life in its gritty,
messy glory. The book is full of realistic characters and life situations most
people can relate to. It also doesn’t tie the matter of finding faith up into a
neat little ribbon. Jade doesn’t present her faith in a nice, neat formulaic
manner and the character of Beck doesn’t accept what she says blinding.
Instead, he goes kicking and screaming, full of doubt and lingering questions,
which is closer on how most people wrestle with God..

The story's intricacies made this one top-notch. It is gripping, engaging and
enticing. It is thought-provoking and sad, hopeful and deep. The story is
riveting and the ending is unexpected and memorable. If you are historical
fiction fan, Tangled Ashes is a must
read.

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About Me

I love the beautiful chaos of raising six kids, I am my husband's girlfriend, a child of God, a web geek, and author.Currently writing novels in the romance genre. I am addicted to great books I can get lost in, I find cooking relaxing, I am passionate about our country, and I love my friends. Life is busy but perfect. :)